NGA Classroom: Who Am I?: Self Portraits in Art and Writing: Student Activity: Paul Gauguin in Words and Pictures

How can I express my many different sides?

French artist Paul Gauguin attempted, through his art and his writing, to answer this question. He not only drew and painted self-portraits, but he also sculpted images of himself in wood, bronze, and ceramic. Altogether he made more than 40 self-portraits. Throughout his life he also wrote letters that give clues to his personality and beliefs.

Gauguin was a complicated person—someone you can only try to know by examining his self-portraits and some of his writing.

First, read a short biography of Gauguin. Next read from his letters to learn more about him—and the possibilities of self-portraiture.

Read these excerpts from Gauguin’s letters. Do they add to your understanding?

Paul Gauguin, Noa Noa (Fragrant, Fragrant), 1894/1895



		Might not a painter’s choice of lines and colors give an indication of his character, whether it is noble or common . . . —January 1885 to friend Emile Schuffenecker It is the face of an outlaw . . . with an inner nobility and gentleness . . . I offer an image, a portrait of myself to all wretched victims of society. —October 1888 to Vincent van Gogh In art, the state of one’s soul is of the greatest importance. One therefore has to take great care of it, if one intends to create something great and permanent. —1889 to Danish painter J. F. Willumsen

Paul Gauguin, Noa Noa (Fragrant, Fragrant), 1894/1895 [click on image to zoom]



		My mission and my business is art. Art is my capital. Art is the future of my children, the honor of the name which I have given them . . . I live here like a peasant. They call me: Savage. —June 1889, from Le Pouldu, to his wife Ever since my childhood I have been pursued by bad luck. Never a chance. No friends. Everything always turned against me . . . What is the good of virtue, work, the high-flying spirit of humanity? —August 1897, from Tahiti to William Mollard

Letter of Paul Gauguin to Vincent van Gogh, 1889

Letter of Paul Gauguin to Vincent van Gogh (detail), c. October 20, 1889